When did you first start your COBS Bread journey? Why did you decide to open your second bakery?

I began my journey with COBS in 2014, training in Toronto, Ontario. In June of 2016, I opened my first bakery in Stamford, Connecticut.

We wanted to make sure we got it right with our first bakery location: we wanted to develop strong connections with our customers and communities while bringing them the freshest baked bread and treats. After 5 years, we were ready. We couldn’t think of a better place to open our second bakery than in the community we know and have loved for the past 12 years. An added bonus that it’s right down the street from where myself and my family lives.

What did you do before you started with COBS?

I worked in investment banking for 29 years and had the opportunity to work in Australia, Japan, England and New York.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

I love the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business. It is even better when you can introduce a product to your community and country that is baked fresh every day, handcrafted and unlike anything I’ve ever had. It is so great to hear from our customers how much they love our products and how much joy it brings them.

I also enjoy being able to work with my family and have them be apart of this experience. It has been great to teach the ins and outs to my son, Tom, who will continue to help operate the bakery.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

I have always loved cooking. When I left my career in finance, I attended culinary school. I loved all aspects of my training, and although it was not my first time baking, I took an extra liking to bread and pastries.

What charities have you partnered with? 

We have partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Greenwich. We recognize and appreciate the local, community impact they have made, as well as their nationwide footprint. They have done so much to provide and promote safe, positive and inclusive environments for all young people. We look forward to working with them when we host Community Day and with future events.

We are also so fortunate to work with Swim Across America, who we have partnered with since we opened our first bakery in Stamford. They host charity swim events across the country, in which the proceeds fund life saving cancer research and clinical trials. We also have begun working closely with Food Rescue US, one of our End of Day Giving partners. They connect food providers with their volunteers who graciously bring surplus food to a number of different community kitchens, food pantries or charities.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to play golf and enjoy fly fishing.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

White Flour Loaf. It is unassuming but has hidden impact in flavour!

What’s your favourite sandwich?

A roast chicken sandwich with mayonnaise, a little bit of lemon and lettuce. And although you already know my go-to loaf, the Sourdough Loaf, fresh out of the oven, is also hard to beat!

For more information:

Bakery Location: Click here

The post Meet Rob, Franchisee of the Second COBS Bread USA Bakery! appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to COBS

What did you do before working at COBS?

I was working at the local non-profit community center as a Manager. Moved from India for my further study to Fort St. John community college and fall in love with this North Peace Region of BC.

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

I join the COBS Bread Family the day I tried the Apricot Delight Log, and just fall in love with COBS from the first day.

I love the concept of bake fresh from scratch every day. My wife and I are used to drive to Grand Prairie, AB for COBS products and thought why not we bring this delightful freshness to our Community in Fort St. John.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I am looking forward to server our community freshly baked bread and treats with amazing service. Baked fresh with my team and serve the community the best COBS products and looking forward to seeing happy customer that enjoying our bread/treat that we baked.

Very looking forward to the Favorite Local Bakery of Fort St. John!

What charity did you pick and why for your community day?

We chose the FSJ Hospital Foundation, being a community owned, non-profit foundation, we wanted to contribute a part towards the future of the medical needs of this Energetic Northern Community we live and work in.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Not at all, hardly knew anything about the baking. However, spending some baking time with very experience Bakers of COBS make me knowledgeable baker. Still long way to go.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

Being a part of the community would be the best way to show my support to community of Fort St. John. Been living in FSJ for more than 8 years now and working at local cultural center for 5 years I got personal connection as much as professional in Fort St. John, that is the reason I called Fort St. John my Home, and looking forward to continue being involved by donating our left-over bread each night to local groups that are in needs.

Also, being here for the community where everyone can count on us for their fresh Bread and treats anytime!

Loaf Out Loud!

Answer one or two of these silly questions below

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why? (Think personality characteristics, not just your favourite)

I am like a Sourdough, hard from outside but soft from inside.

What is in your favourite sandwich?

I love Egg salad sandwich on COBS Country grain Bread.

What is your favourite baking pun or joke?

We have molder, to make our bread moldy!

The post Meet Hardik Patel from our Fort St John Bakery! appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

What did you do before working at COBS?

I was a kitchen supervisor at a camp in Fort McMurray. I was in charge of the breakfast shift.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Not really! I can cook, and I cooked a lot, but I had never really baked before joining COBS. I know how to run a kitchen and a team, and I’m used to the early hours from supervising the breakfast shift.

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

Around July of 2018 I started looking into joining COBS. I was looking at different franchise bakeries, but I picked COBS because I like their philosophy to bake everything fresh and donate unsold products. Being part of the community is important to me.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

Right now I’m really just looking forward to learning all the in and outs of being a bakery owner. I took over an existing bakery, so I’ve got some catching up to do! But once I have my feet under me, there are a number of charities that I’m looking forward to supporting.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

My inbox is full of requests for donations from charities that this bakery previously supported. I plan to continue those partnerships and add some others. I picked COBS Bread because of the importance they put on supporting the community, so it’s very important to me that COBS Bread Aurora Gateway is known as the Community Bakery.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

[no hesitation] Double Chocolate Scone! It’s full of chocolately goodness and topped with sweet vanilla glaze. I think that describes me, full of goodness!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

That’s easy, Turkey BLT on Sunflower Flax Sourdough. I add mayo and cranberry sauce too. Yum, I think I’ll have that for lunch today.

The post Welcome Bhavin – New Franchise Owner of COBS Aurora Gateway! appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

Brinder’s two young daughters often join her at the bakery when she is baking. They like watching their mom work. “I like having them there,” shares Brinder. “I like that they see that’s it’s hard work to own a business, but that I enjoy it.”

Brinder’s first bakery was (and still is) the popular Davie Street, Vancouver location. In 2006, Brinder was living in Vancouver’s West End when she went grocery shopping to prepare for a special visit from family. She left the grocery store without the bread she needed. “I didn’t like anything in the grocery’s bakery. I wandered down Davie Street to see if there was anywhere else that sold bread, and I found a COBS Bread bakery. I had never heard of them before. It smelled amazing, and I loved the bread I bought.”

Brinder was curious about the company and checked it out online. “I noticed that they franchised,” said Brinder. “I was interested because I was looking for a change from my current job. I worked as a Business Consultant for a fast-food chain and it was all that I knew,” Brinder reflects. “I wouldn’t have called my self a baker- but I knew how to run a business.”

In addition to that, there were several aspects of the business that really appealed to Brinder. “I found out that they were looking for people who lived in the community to be their bakery owners. That really said something to me,” she said. “Not only that, I loved the End of Day Giving model which involves giving back to the community, in addition, the freshness of the bread, and the high-quality ingredients.”

Brinder took over the bakery in June of 2007. After a few years of running the business, Brinder jumped at the opportunity to purchase the West 4th COBS Bread bakery when it became available for sale. And in 2016, Brinder purchased the coveted Robson Street bakery. To give you a sense, there are 105 franchised COBS Bread bakeries (seven corporate) in Canada with over 84 franchisees – Brinder is one of only three to own more than two bakeries.

In the Community

Brinder quickly became involved in the community. “Owning a business opens up a lot of avenues that you want to explore.” For a long time, Brinder has been a part of the West End Business Improvement Association. “As a small business owner you want to become involved in the local business community to help ensure you have a thriving business for the long term.”

All three of Brinder’s COBS Bread bakeries support local elementary schools with donations and the Fundraising program. They also help AIDS Vancouver raise funds by displaying and selling ribbons in the bakery. The bakery is dedicated to fulfilling donation requests as much as possible from the neighbourhood.

In October 2018, Brinder received the honour of being recognized by the federal government as a business owner who plays a vital role in supporting her community. Because of Brinder’s role in the community and the efforts put forth by her three bakeries, she received a Certificate of Appreciation from their local MP Hedy Fry. (See photo: Brinder left, Hedy Fry right. Photo credit: @HedyFry Twitter account.)

At the Office

Having passionate people and franchisees are an important ingredient in the success of your network. In fact, Brinder is the regional representative in the COBS Bread “Marketing Advisory Committee,” a group of franchisees nominated by their peers who provide feedback on behalf of fellow franchisees on upcoming marketing directives, and more.

We are so fortunate to have people like Brinder as a part of our team, and a part of our community.

The post Brinder Bains, Franchisee and West End Community Staple appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

When did you join the COBS Bread family and what inspired you to do so?

I saw the ad looking for franchisees and went to a COBS Bread. I tried the product and fell in love with it… and then decided to take the leap and open our own COBS!

What did you do before working at COBS?

I have had many years of experience in the food industry, as well as customer service. But my main job, for the last eight or so years, has been raising and taking care of my children.

Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

I love baking! My husband had recently sold his business and we were looking for a change. When we saw the ad for COBS Bread, I knew this was something I wanted to do.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

Bringing happiness to others through fresh baked goodness!

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

I plan on being involved with schools, fundraisers, and trade shows.

A little more about me…

I am married with three children.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything that involves spending time with my family.

The post Meet Sarah from our first bakery in Lloydminster! appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

When Did You Join the COBS Bread family?

I joined the COBS Bread family in April of 2016. That was when I signed my commitment papers to become a Franchisee in Waterloo. I always had thoughts of being an Owner/Operator of a Franchise – it just took 20+ years to find the best franchise to join. My first bakery, COBS The Boardwalk opened to Community Day on June 5, 2017 in Waterloo. My second bakery, COBS Fairway Plaza will be opening on Mon, December 17, 2018 in Kitchener and we will celebrate our community day, when we donate 100% of sales to a charity on that day, in the new year.

What Did You Do Before Buying a Bakery?

Before joining the COBS network, I was in restaurant management.

Why Did You Choose COBS?

I picked COBS as my Franchisor of choice for a few reasons. I LOVED the product when I tried it. I loved the look, smell and feel of a COBS bakery. The business model from a financial point was attractive. I very much appreciated the process that was involved in becoming a Franchisee. I didn’t want to be part of an organization that allows anyone in without ensuring they are a strong candidate for the brand.

What’s Life Like After Opening Your First Bakery?

I love my COBS life. My bakery is my happy place and having 2 bakeries just makes me happier! I have a huge sense of pride in the product we are putting out. I have the best customers in the world and I look forward to getting to know more at our new location.

Who Are Your Community Partners?

Our new End of Day Giving Partners for Fairway Plaza include: Doon/Pioneer Park Food Cupboard, Out of the Cold, House of Friendship, and Food Bank Elmira. We still have a few spots open. Interested charities can reach out.

I am born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo. I am very connected to this community and that has only grown since I opened The Boardwalk location. Having a second location will allow me to reach that many more organizations throughout the region. I’ve participated in so many product donations and player of the game cards for kids sports teams. I would love to see our presence at more community events in future, and I will always continue to support organizations as I’m able.

What Do You Like To Do In Your Spare Time?

At times I get a little concentrated in my bakery operations, but when time does allow, I love to run! I’ve participated in many marathons and I love our local running community. I keep promising them I’ll get back to more km’s soon.

The post Why Steff Franchised a Second COBS Bread Bakery appeared first on COBS Bread USA.

When did you join the COBS Bread family and what inspired you to do so?

I joined the COBS family in July of 2018 after doing some extensive research about the company, the phenomenal products, and the community-based approach to doing business. Bread is the original comfort food, and it’s so much more. It’s the staple to family meals, and fuel for different sports. COBS is particularly unique because we are involved in our communities and help out whenever we can.

What were you up to before joining COBS?

Before COBS, I worked for A&W’s corporate office in restaurant operations and prior to that, at Tim Horton’s corporate office in restaurant operations. This experience gave me a unique perspective on how franchises are run and what separates good operators from great operators – I can’t wait to join the list of GREAT operators!

Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

Quite simply, the business model. Premium quality products, baked from scratch everyday with unsold product being donated to local charities each and every day. It feels great that I can serve products that I’m truly proud of while at the same time provide high quality food for those who need it most.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

My team! People are the backbone of the business and I strive to be the type of coach that staff enjoy working with. As a franchisee it’s on me to make sure that the atmosphere in the bakery is light and fun – sure it’s hard work, but we have a great time together.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

Our opening day will be a Community Day. The Milton District Hospital Foundation will be receiving 100% of our sales. Every COBS Bread hosts a community day when they open. I really believe it’s such a fantastic way to say ‘thanks’ right off the bat to our new neighbours.

Throughout the year we will be supporting several causes and charities through our End of Day Giving initiative: Some of the ones I’ve set up so far are

• Salvation Army Food Bank
• Lunchbox Café
• Darling Home for Kids
• I. Dick Middle School Breakfast Program

I’ve lived in Milton for 8 years and truly love it here There are great things to do, and great people! My goal is to provide gainful employment and career growth opportunities for members of the community. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to sponsoring events, teams, and local initiatives.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife, Michelle and 2 daughters, Mia and Sienna. I’m also an avid basketball fan and have been a Raptors die-hard since day 1!

The post Franchisee Adil Hanif Brings COBS Bread to Milton, ON appeared first on COBS Bread USA.